Jesse Lapham
ABR, RENE, AHWD
Realty Executives Arizona Territory
Why You Should Stop By an Open House
By Jesse Lapham, Your Trusted Tucson Real Estate Partner
You’ve seen the signs—maybe on your way to brunch or running errands. But what’s really the point of an open house?
Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious, open houses offer a chance to explore real estate in a way that’s casual, informative, and full of opportunity.
They’re not just about checking out a floor plan or granite countertops. They’re also one of the few places in real estate where you can meet a potential agent—in a neutral environment—without obligation.
While referrals are the gold standard for most buyers and sellers, sometimes it’s worth vetting someone for yourself. Open houses give you a chance to see how an agent communicates, how they represent a property, and whether their style clicks with your needs.
And if you’re thinking about selling? It’s the perfect way to get a feel for how your own home might show—and what buyers react to most.
The days of calling your friend who’s an agent and having them drop everything to open a door are mostly behind us.
With recent changes in industry practices and buyer agent compensation structures, most agents now require a signed agreement before showing a home. That agreement outlines how they’ll be paid and confirms your working relationship.
Understandably, many buyers hesitate to sign paperwork just to see one house.
That’s where open houses come in. They offer a no-pressure opportunity to walk through a home without committing to an agent up front. Just remember — the agent hosting the open house typically represents the seller. While you can certainly ask questions and gather insights, their duty is to the seller unless you choose to work with them directly.
Still, it’s a great way to explore a home, neighborhood, or even start building a connection with someone you might want to represent you down the road.
No matter your reason, it’s okay to just stop in, browse, and ask questions. There's no need to pretend you're further along in the process than you are.
Open houses are like open doors—welcoming you into the local market, one property at a time. Whether you're looking, learning, or just love real estate, there's value in showing up.
In fact, when someone calls me—even with the highest level of trust, like a referral from a past client—I often still invite them to stop by my next open house. Why? Because it’s a low-pressure, casual way to meet, observe, and start building the connection that matters most in any real estate journey.
And hey, if you're still searching for the right agent, let the experience guide you. Casual conversations often lead to trusted partnerships.
So the next time you see an “Open House” sign, take the detour. You might just find more than a great floor plan—you might find your next move.
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